1. PERFECT STORM SYSTEM
Two weeks in a row?
I'm sorry. I know this is supposed to be an OSU game observations thread - and I will do that. But this has NEVER happened before. Not both ND and Michigan losing their first two games of the season. These opportunities do not come along every day - and I am NOT taking the high road.
2. SLOW STARTS
Besides, what is there to say about these early games? I love seeing the team back on the field. But I can't get emotional. If we play well it is because we are playing also-rans. If we play poorly it is because we are playing to the level of our competition.
If this were my first year following JT I would be concerned. Our O isn't there yet. But remember how Tresselball works. Strong D, solid special teams, and mistake free O. Two of those are firmly in place. Granted, we are having some problems with penalties and turnovers right now, but that can be fixed quickly. And I have yet to see a running back put the ball on the turf - the area of most concern for a conservative offense.
Much like last week, things started slowly. JT likes a balanced offense, so he must have been thrilled when we had 35 yards rushing and 30 passing in the first quarter. We took the opening kick off to the 41. We did not cross the 41 till three minutes left in the first quarter.
But once again, when the smoke cleared we rolled up 363 yards to Akron's 69. Two impressive drives late showed the difference in depth and conditioning.
This is not unlike what I expected with the loss of so many offensive tools. It is only the reports out of camp that the O was ahead of the D that left me a bit mystified.
It will come. It may be Krenzelesque - but it will come.
3. END OF MICHIGAN ARROGANCE
Below is the signature line from a long time Michigan poster on one of their boards. It is the stream of drivel I have received from Michigan fans my entire life when I wanted to talk about the game at hand.
"We have won 99.99 percent of our games. We have 11 NCs (never mind that ten came before even an old fart like me was born.) We have more Rose Bowl wins than there have been Rose Bowls."
That is all over now.
Now all we have to do is listen quietly and when they finally wrap up their litany, smile politely and say: "Appalachian State".
Winningest school in college football history (860 wins).
.746 all-time winning percentage (highest in college football).
Highest all-time strength of schedule rating in college football.
11 National Championships: (1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997)
42 conference championships (more than any school in any single conference).
113 winning seasons (most in college football).
25 undefeated seasons (more than any other Division 1-A school).
1 of only 3 schools with a winning record vs. every Division 1-A conference including independents.
56 game unbeaten streak (2nd longest in college football history).
39 straight years without a losing season (longest ongoing streak in the nation).
32 straight bowl appearances (longest ongoing streak in the nation).
#1 ranking all-time in composite final AP polls (1936-2006).
Longest ongoing streak in the nation without being shut-out (277 games).
Longest ongoing streak in the nation without a loss to a sub .500 team (last loss in 1996).
2nd most points scored & largest delta (points for minus points against) in college football history.
148 First Team All-Americans (18 two-time winners, 2 three-time winners).
32 College Football Hall of Famers.
3 Heisman Trophy Winners: (Tom Harmon 1940, Desmond Howard 1991, Charles Woodson 1997)
76 NFL Pro Bowl participants.
7 NFL Hall of Famers.
3 Super Bowl MVPs: (Desmond Howard 1997, Tom Brady 2002, 2004)
#1 in attendance every year but one since 1974 (202 straight games with over 100,000 in attendance).
Most televised school in college football history (371 televised games).
"The Victors" is the only fight song inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Best Fight Song: Michigan - Sports Illustrated
Best Helmet in Football: Michigan - ESPN's "End of Century" Special
Best Uniform in Sports: Michigan football - ESPN2's 64 Team Bracket Results
#1 Sports Rivalry: Michigan vs. Ohio State - ESPN's "Top 10 Greatest Sports Rivalries"
One loss to Div 1AA Appalachian State - priceless.
4. DEFENSE
I heard a rumor that during halftime the OSU Offense was called on the carpet by JT at the same time as Heacock was loading the Defense on a bus for a quick trip to the local Dairy Queen for treats.
Wow! I am sure everyone has heard that there were 13 straight possessions where Akron went three and out - even with a TB that OSU tried to recruit.
But their only other two drives - first and last - went for just 7 and 5 plays.
And for those 13 straight three-and-outs the yards gained were:
(3)..9..3..3..0..2..(9)..(10)..2..4..7..6..4
In other words, if you were only required to gain 5 yards for a first down we still would have had 10 three and outs.
Defensive stars? Who wasn't? The tipped pass by Worthington. Heywood's one handed sack. Laurinaitis sack and Homan sealing off a lane to set it up. Jamo's strip.
Eleven Silver Bullets flying to the ball.
Did I say 11? How many defenses in the Big Ten would be decimated by the loss of a kid like Lawrence Wilson? We still go two deep without much drop off across the front seven and well into the secondary. Homan, Spitler and Gibson could start anywhere. And we have at least 12 kids getting regular reps on the D right now who will be here for at least TWO more years. This could be a very special defense.
Let's just hope the first personal foul against our secondary for jawing doesn't come at a critical moment in Seattle.
5. PETE JOHNSON
Speaking of treats.
Pete was inducted into the OSU sports HOF Saturday. I love Pete. Archie is Archie because Pete was Pete.
But Pete ate Charlie Weis.
6. OBSOLETE HUMOR
How many batteries does it take to beat Michigan?
Just one - but it has to be a double A.
That was funny last week.
But this week it is redundant. You can throw any kind of battery and kill a wolverine. A stiff breeze can kill a wolverine. Leave a wolverine alone in a public venue long enough and it will figure out a way to kill itself.
Beating up on the wolverines is nearing the point where it just isn't fun anymore.
And that is not good for football.
And what IS Ryan Mallet trying to prove by out throwing his speediest receiver on every down?
7. MASCOTS
I was still trying to figure out why any school would make their students run around in a penguin suit when it is 100+ on the field when I became equally stymied regarding why a team called the "Zips" would have a kangaroo as a mascot.
But, after doing a little historical research I discovered this photo of Akron's mascot from the pre-roo era.
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/287767/2/istockphoto_287767_zip_it.jpg
Surprisingly, their biggest complaints came not from angry parents or children's services. But rather from disgruntled fans tired of chanting "Mmph phrrrt mmph! Mmph phrrt mmph!".
You did the right thing Akron.
8. YOUTH MOVEMENT
Saturday we ran a formation where all three receivers were true Freshmen. That HAS to be a first - and a far cry from the day when a San Antonio Holmes might redshirt.
And Cameron Heywood is a beast. His one handed sack was a thing of beauty and it was not his only solid play. This kid is going to be very special.
Overall we had four true Frosh catch passes and two more make tackles. The future is bright.
9. RECURRING NIGHTMARES
One of the unfortunate things for Michigan fans is that the broadcaster for ASU poured so much emotion into the call on the blocked field goal.
Hearing "BLOCKED!! AAHHH!! AAHHH!! AAHHH!!" makes that event so vivid it is like hearing it over and over for the first time.
But not to worry, calls like that are soon forgotten.
10. NINETEEN FIFTY ONE
"The giants win the pennant!! The giants win the pennant!! The giants win the pennant!!"
11. THE BIG TEN TWO WEEKS IN
Two weeks into the season and the Big Ten is 18-4 with 8 undefeated teams.
Half of those losses are from one team.
Ten of eleven teams have outscored their opponents for the year.
Who is holding us back?
(BTW - two weeks into the season and half the SEC teams have a loss.)
12. CREDIT WHRE CREDIT IS DUE
The White-Out at Penn St has to be one of the most impressive sights in college football (except when they do the close ups).
13. FRANK CAPRA QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Every time they replay Appalachian State blocking the Michigan field goal attempt - an angel gets its wings.
14. INJURY REPORT
Small was wearing pads. Didn't see him in the game, but this was a positive step.
15. VBET IDEA
How many quarters into the season will we go before an Offensive genius - not guru mind you, but geeeenious - coaches his team to an offensive touchdown?
Having the ball handed to him on the PSU 8 wasn't even enough.
For a tie breaker we can ask how many games before ND has positive rushing yards for the season. They are currently at -7 and counting.
16. FIELD CONDITIONS
I understand that the surface is over the old drainage system and water will run right off. What I am curious about is how damp field turf compares to damp grass. We had some slips. Can't we afford the proper shoes to deal with that?
And whatever we put on the shoes to give us traction, can we put that same stuff on the secondary's hands?
BTW - I have seen comments from folks that the field looks "worn" on TV. It must be something to do with the cameras and field turf because the colors absolutely pop in person.
17. SWEET MEMORIES
Michigan's loss Saturday caused the media to bring up one of my favorite games - the last time Michigan lost worse than they did Saturday. 1968: OSU 50 Michigan 14.
I was at that game. It was also the game after which Woody made his famous "Cause I couldn't go for three" quote.
18. QUARTERBACKS
Only mildly disappointed in Boeckman today. First pick the receiver went down (cause he didn't have no sticky shoes) and the second was also thrown during the rainy spell - albeit into coverage. I also think the 3-3-5 may have given him some problems.
On the other hand, I am concerned about a QB with so little mobility playing in front of a hostile crowd next week. Look for things to be even more buttoned up in Seattle.
As for Schoenhoft - don't let the numbers fool you. Only two passes longer than 4 yards and almost half his yards were on a brilliant catch of a ball thrown behind Robiskie. He tucks the ball too quickly and though he is more mobile than Boeckman there is lots of room for improvement on his judgment (what is Belisari up to these days?). He's young and needs time - but he is only a heart beat away ...
19. MICHIGAN RECRUITING
Michigan's problems can't be fixed in a year - coaching change or not.
The D isn't just out of shape or poorly coached. This group has inherited genes that would have made them easy T-Rex prey back in the day. They are slow.
And of the 15 recruits currently committed, 11 are on the offensive side of the ball.
Further, their offense has been recruited to play power football. (Something else that is going the way of the T-Rex.) And it appears their D has been recruited to defend against power football.
This is not an immediate coaching fix. And it is not a one year recruiting fix.
If I am a recruit these two games have me seriously rethinking.
20. NACHO REPORT
Since she treated me so nice I tracked down the same Cheese Bitch I had last week. She remembered me. Layered that luscious cheese product not only in the wells, but all over the chips too. And did so in a slow and seductive fashion - all the time swaying here hips beyond what was needed to accomplish her assigned task. And when she handed them to me she let the tip of her finger slip into the cheese - then sloooowly licked it off.
Jalapenos weren't the only thing that was hot on Saturday. Makes you wonder where this might be going (notice the foreshadowing).
21. KICKING GAME
Akron had us on our heels with some great punts early, but at the end of the day it was the OSU kicking that dominated. Pretorius put KOs in the end zone both with and against the wind - something very few kickers are doing under the new rule. His two mid range FGs added to a solid day.
And it was Trapasso who finished with both the better punting distance and net punting distance.
22. THE FUTILITY BOWL
Who would want to watch a game between two teams that are 0-2?
I can't wait.
A team that has given up 491 yards rushing in two games against a team that has rushed for -7 in that same span. (The resistible force meets the movable object.)
A game that by default will leave one of the Nation's great powers limping along on a five game losing streak and both teams with a combined record of 1-9 in their last 10 decisions.
A game featuring a guaranteed win from a team without a quarterback.
A game that will leave one coach or the other stuttering and stammering - either about how 100 losses won't get him down or something equally incoherent about donuts.
Can it get any better than this?
23. CHARLIE VERSUS VOYD
I have no respect for CW. He is arrogant and has accomplished nothing to warrant a positive rep as a CFB coach, nor has he earned his current job. But I am glad he is there and that he will be there for at least two more years. With Clausen and some talent he might even hang around longer.
On the other hand Voyd has taken his program to new lows. But they are lows that followed highs. He earned the right to be where he is. We won an NC and he owned the Buckeyes for longer than I care to remember. And from everything I know about him he is a man of integrity who is doing things in a way that he genuinely believes is the right way - whether we agree or not - whether college football agrees or not. His biggest fault may be that he keeps coming up with the wrong answer when he asks the question "What Would Bo Do"?
We have to respect Michigan - however grudgingly. And I don't believe they will fire Voyd. Certainly not during the season, and probably not afterwards if he chooses to stay. They are not that kind of program. (Which gives them half a leg up on the program that dumped Earle Bruce.)
But I think he will choose to leave. He has to see what he is doing to the program. And when he leaves the last adherent of pure power football will be gone. Not Bowden. Not JoPa. But Voyd. And I'll miss it. (Of course, if I had been around in the '30s I would be whining about this new-fangled forward pass.)
But I like 14-10 smash mouth contests where brute force up and down the line decides the outcome. Basketball on grass is exciting. But it is different. Kinda like those fruity beers. They are tasty, but it seems like a sweltering tower of testosterone should be doing something a little more primitive.
24. TURNOVER MARGARINE
Minus five? Who woulda thunk it. But I am not alarmed. Turnovers are fickle. A few less stone handed plays in the secondary. Receivers stay on their feet. A bounce this way instead of that way. The margin could easily be 0 or better.
Last year much was made of our positive margin for 11 games - then we struggled to get a TO when it counted most. I will be quite happy to see us follow the opposite pattern.
25. SPEAKING OF MARGARINE
Listen up lardasses!!!
I am in seat #30. When I sit down I expect to line my butt crack up between the 3 and the 0. I don't like being pushed one way or the other and I certainly don't like being squeezed until my man parts feel like lady parts.
Sure, I pound down my share of nacho cheese flavored food product, but when I find myself asking the clerk at Macy's if she wouldn't mind peeking in the back for some additional trouser sizes I know it is time for a stroll around the neighborhood.
Let's not make OSU install one of those templates you see at airports for carry on luggage.
Get with the program!!!
26. RUNNING BACKS
Last week one of our long time posters made the following observation:
"As for the OL - I was pleased. At times they were great. At others there were mistakes. But those were missed assignments, not failures to execute. Consistent blocking across the line against schemes that you may not have seen before is difficult to come by and takes time. Overall I am happier than most of the folks I have spoken to. The talent is there."
OK, I was a bit off on that one (I hate not being able to watch a replay. And taping the radio broadcast this week didn't provide the enlightenment I was hoping for.) But I stand by my comment that Beanie is the man and will deliver as promised.
Saine will have his moments, but Beanie is back and will be the workhouse we need in Seattle.
And how would you like to be #5 from Akron - stiff armed like a rag doll - when they review the tapes?
And I can only image what JT is setting up for down the road with the two TB set.
The one knock on Beanie is that he did own the safety. Forget if he got out of the end zone. The surge was there straight ahead.
27. SCARY MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Beanie coming down at the end of his first long run with a defender awkwardly between his legs, and immediately reaching for his knee.
POORLY WORDED PHRASE OF THE WEEK
"awkwardly between his legs"
28. END OF THE WINGED HELMET
Didn't think it would happen in my life time. But word is Nike will be releasing the following design next week:
ImageShack - Hosting :: michiganhelmetpr8.jpg
29. SHOWDOWN IN SEATTLE
This is shaping up nicely. Thank goodness. A game interesting enough to keep me thinking more about the Buckeyes than the Wolverines and Domers. A test. A respite from the boredom of this early schedule.
We are ready. Not for LSU, but for Washington. The Offense isn't there yet. But you can't lose if the other guy doesn't score.
And we only lose if JT is out coached by Ty Willingham - and it doesn't get that cold in Seattle.
30. I'M NOT REALLY CRUEL
I don't smile when a child skins their knee. I don't chuckle at legless beggars. I don't laugh when I see a car wreck.
But when Michigan was down 32-7 and I saw Hart on the exercise bike unable to return. And when I saw Mallet run onto the field replacing a QB in whom Michigan has invested four years amid cheers from the home town fans. And when I thought about what these guys had given up to put themselves in this position.
Well, it was all just too much.
31. AND FINALLY, GIRLS OF THE BIG TEN
I almost didn't post this because I don't want anyone to get the idea that I am taking any sort of pleasure from Michigan's suffering. But this belongs in the public domain for anyone who wants to make a screen saver or signature block.
ImageShack - Hosting :: michiganfanmw6.jpg
Two weeks in a row?
I'm sorry. I know this is supposed to be an OSU game observations thread - and I will do that. But this has NEVER happened before. Not both ND and Michigan losing their first two games of the season. These opportunities do not come along every day - and I am NOT taking the high road.
2. SLOW STARTS
Besides, what is there to say about these early games? I love seeing the team back on the field. But I can't get emotional. If we play well it is because we are playing also-rans. If we play poorly it is because we are playing to the level of our competition.
If this were my first year following JT I would be concerned. Our O isn't there yet. But remember how Tresselball works. Strong D, solid special teams, and mistake free O. Two of those are firmly in place. Granted, we are having some problems with penalties and turnovers right now, but that can be fixed quickly. And I have yet to see a running back put the ball on the turf - the area of most concern for a conservative offense.
Much like last week, things started slowly. JT likes a balanced offense, so he must have been thrilled when we had 35 yards rushing and 30 passing in the first quarter. We took the opening kick off to the 41. We did not cross the 41 till three minutes left in the first quarter.
But once again, when the smoke cleared we rolled up 363 yards to Akron's 69. Two impressive drives late showed the difference in depth and conditioning.
This is not unlike what I expected with the loss of so many offensive tools. It is only the reports out of camp that the O was ahead of the D that left me a bit mystified.
It will come. It may be Krenzelesque - but it will come.
3. END OF MICHIGAN ARROGANCE
Below is the signature line from a long time Michigan poster on one of their boards. It is the stream of drivel I have received from Michigan fans my entire life when I wanted to talk about the game at hand.
"We have won 99.99 percent of our games. We have 11 NCs (never mind that ten came before even an old fart like me was born.) We have more Rose Bowl wins than there have been Rose Bowls."
That is all over now.
Now all we have to do is listen quietly and when they finally wrap up their litany, smile politely and say: "Appalachian State".
Winningest school in college football history (860 wins).
.746 all-time winning percentage (highest in college football).
Highest all-time strength of schedule rating in college football.
11 National Championships: (1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1918, 1923, 1932, 1933, 1947, 1948, 1997)
42 conference championships (more than any school in any single conference).
113 winning seasons (most in college football).
25 undefeated seasons (more than any other Division 1-A school).
1 of only 3 schools with a winning record vs. every Division 1-A conference including independents.
56 game unbeaten streak (2nd longest in college football history).
39 straight years without a losing season (longest ongoing streak in the nation).
32 straight bowl appearances (longest ongoing streak in the nation).
#1 ranking all-time in composite final AP polls (1936-2006).
Longest ongoing streak in the nation without being shut-out (277 games).
Longest ongoing streak in the nation without a loss to a sub .500 team (last loss in 1996).
2nd most points scored & largest delta (points for minus points against) in college football history.
148 First Team All-Americans (18 two-time winners, 2 three-time winners).
32 College Football Hall of Famers.
3 Heisman Trophy Winners: (Tom Harmon 1940, Desmond Howard 1991, Charles Woodson 1997)
76 NFL Pro Bowl participants.
7 NFL Hall of Famers.
3 Super Bowl MVPs: (Desmond Howard 1997, Tom Brady 2002, 2004)
#1 in attendance every year but one since 1974 (202 straight games with over 100,000 in attendance).
Most televised school in college football history (371 televised games).
"The Victors" is the only fight song inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Best Fight Song: Michigan - Sports Illustrated
Best Helmet in Football: Michigan - ESPN's "End of Century" Special
Best Uniform in Sports: Michigan football - ESPN2's 64 Team Bracket Results
#1 Sports Rivalry: Michigan vs. Ohio State - ESPN's "Top 10 Greatest Sports Rivalries"
One loss to Div 1AA Appalachian State - priceless.
4. DEFENSE
I heard a rumor that during halftime the OSU Offense was called on the carpet by JT at the same time as Heacock was loading the Defense on a bus for a quick trip to the local Dairy Queen for treats.
Wow! I am sure everyone has heard that there were 13 straight possessions where Akron went three and out - even with a TB that OSU tried to recruit.
But their only other two drives - first and last - went for just 7 and 5 plays.
And for those 13 straight three-and-outs the yards gained were:
(3)..9..3..3..0..2..(9)..(10)..2..4..7..6..4
In other words, if you were only required to gain 5 yards for a first down we still would have had 10 three and outs.
Defensive stars? Who wasn't? The tipped pass by Worthington. Heywood's one handed sack. Laurinaitis sack and Homan sealing off a lane to set it up. Jamo's strip.
Eleven Silver Bullets flying to the ball.
Did I say 11? How many defenses in the Big Ten would be decimated by the loss of a kid like Lawrence Wilson? We still go two deep without much drop off across the front seven and well into the secondary. Homan, Spitler and Gibson could start anywhere. And we have at least 12 kids getting regular reps on the D right now who will be here for at least TWO more years. This could be a very special defense.
Let's just hope the first personal foul against our secondary for jawing doesn't come at a critical moment in Seattle.
5. PETE JOHNSON
Speaking of treats.
Pete was inducted into the OSU sports HOF Saturday. I love Pete. Archie is Archie because Pete was Pete.
But Pete ate Charlie Weis.
6. OBSOLETE HUMOR
How many batteries does it take to beat Michigan?
Just one - but it has to be a double A.
That was funny last week.
But this week it is redundant. You can throw any kind of battery and kill a wolverine. A stiff breeze can kill a wolverine. Leave a wolverine alone in a public venue long enough and it will figure out a way to kill itself.
Beating up on the wolverines is nearing the point where it just isn't fun anymore.
And that is not good for football.
And what IS Ryan Mallet trying to prove by out throwing his speediest receiver on every down?
7. MASCOTS
I was still trying to figure out why any school would make their students run around in a penguin suit when it is 100+ on the field when I became equally stymied regarding why a team called the "Zips" would have a kangaroo as a mascot.
But, after doing a little historical research I discovered this photo of Akron's mascot from the pre-roo era.
http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/287767/2/istockphoto_287767_zip_it.jpg
Surprisingly, their biggest complaints came not from angry parents or children's services. But rather from disgruntled fans tired of chanting "Mmph phrrrt mmph! Mmph phrrt mmph!".
You did the right thing Akron.
8. YOUTH MOVEMENT
Saturday we ran a formation where all three receivers were true Freshmen. That HAS to be a first - and a far cry from the day when a San Antonio Holmes might redshirt.
And Cameron Heywood is a beast. His one handed sack was a thing of beauty and it was not his only solid play. This kid is going to be very special.
Overall we had four true Frosh catch passes and two more make tackles. The future is bright.
9. RECURRING NIGHTMARES
One of the unfortunate things for Michigan fans is that the broadcaster for ASU poured so much emotion into the call on the blocked field goal.
Hearing "BLOCKED!! AAHHH!! AAHHH!! AAHHH!!" makes that event so vivid it is like hearing it over and over for the first time.
But not to worry, calls like that are soon forgotten.
10. NINETEEN FIFTY ONE
"The giants win the pennant!! The giants win the pennant!! The giants win the pennant!!"
11. THE BIG TEN TWO WEEKS IN
Two weeks into the season and the Big Ten is 18-4 with 8 undefeated teams.
Half of those losses are from one team.
Ten of eleven teams have outscored their opponents for the year.
Who is holding us back?
(BTW - two weeks into the season and half the SEC teams have a loss.)
12. CREDIT WHRE CREDIT IS DUE
The White-Out at Penn St has to be one of the most impressive sights in college football (except when they do the close ups).
13. FRANK CAPRA QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Every time they replay Appalachian State blocking the Michigan field goal attempt - an angel gets its wings.
14. INJURY REPORT
Small was wearing pads. Didn't see him in the game, but this was a positive step.
15. VBET IDEA
How many quarters into the season will we go before an Offensive genius - not guru mind you, but geeeenious - coaches his team to an offensive touchdown?
Having the ball handed to him on the PSU 8 wasn't even enough.
For a tie breaker we can ask how many games before ND has positive rushing yards for the season. They are currently at -7 and counting.
16. FIELD CONDITIONS
I understand that the surface is over the old drainage system and water will run right off. What I am curious about is how damp field turf compares to damp grass. We had some slips. Can't we afford the proper shoes to deal with that?
And whatever we put on the shoes to give us traction, can we put that same stuff on the secondary's hands?
BTW - I have seen comments from folks that the field looks "worn" on TV. It must be something to do with the cameras and field turf because the colors absolutely pop in person.
17. SWEET MEMORIES
Michigan's loss Saturday caused the media to bring up one of my favorite games - the last time Michigan lost worse than they did Saturday. 1968: OSU 50 Michigan 14.
I was at that game. It was also the game after which Woody made his famous "Cause I couldn't go for three" quote.
18. QUARTERBACKS
Only mildly disappointed in Boeckman today. First pick the receiver went down (cause he didn't have no sticky shoes) and the second was also thrown during the rainy spell - albeit into coverage. I also think the 3-3-5 may have given him some problems.
On the other hand, I am concerned about a QB with so little mobility playing in front of a hostile crowd next week. Look for things to be even more buttoned up in Seattle.
As for Schoenhoft - don't let the numbers fool you. Only two passes longer than 4 yards and almost half his yards were on a brilliant catch of a ball thrown behind Robiskie. He tucks the ball too quickly and though he is more mobile than Boeckman there is lots of room for improvement on his judgment (what is Belisari up to these days?). He's young and needs time - but he is only a heart beat away ...
19. MICHIGAN RECRUITING
Michigan's problems can't be fixed in a year - coaching change or not.
The D isn't just out of shape or poorly coached. This group has inherited genes that would have made them easy T-Rex prey back in the day. They are slow.
And of the 15 recruits currently committed, 11 are on the offensive side of the ball.
Further, their offense has been recruited to play power football. (Something else that is going the way of the T-Rex.) And it appears their D has been recruited to defend against power football.
This is not an immediate coaching fix. And it is not a one year recruiting fix.
If I am a recruit these two games have me seriously rethinking.
20. NACHO REPORT
Since she treated me so nice I tracked down the same Cheese Bitch I had last week. She remembered me. Layered that luscious cheese product not only in the wells, but all over the chips too. And did so in a slow and seductive fashion - all the time swaying here hips beyond what was needed to accomplish her assigned task. And when she handed them to me she let the tip of her finger slip into the cheese - then sloooowly licked it off.
Jalapenos weren't the only thing that was hot on Saturday. Makes you wonder where this might be going (notice the foreshadowing).
21. KICKING GAME
Akron had us on our heels with some great punts early, but at the end of the day it was the OSU kicking that dominated. Pretorius put KOs in the end zone both with and against the wind - something very few kickers are doing under the new rule. His two mid range FGs added to a solid day.
And it was Trapasso who finished with both the better punting distance and net punting distance.
22. THE FUTILITY BOWL
Who would want to watch a game between two teams that are 0-2?
I can't wait.
A team that has given up 491 yards rushing in two games against a team that has rushed for -7 in that same span. (The resistible force meets the movable object.)
A game that by default will leave one of the Nation's great powers limping along on a five game losing streak and both teams with a combined record of 1-9 in their last 10 decisions.
A game featuring a guaranteed win from a team without a quarterback.
A game that will leave one coach or the other stuttering and stammering - either about how 100 losses won't get him down or something equally incoherent about donuts.
Can it get any better than this?
23. CHARLIE VERSUS VOYD
I have no respect for CW. He is arrogant and has accomplished nothing to warrant a positive rep as a CFB coach, nor has he earned his current job. But I am glad he is there and that he will be there for at least two more years. With Clausen and some talent he might even hang around longer.
On the other hand Voyd has taken his program to new lows. But they are lows that followed highs. He earned the right to be where he is. We won an NC and he owned the Buckeyes for longer than I care to remember. And from everything I know about him he is a man of integrity who is doing things in a way that he genuinely believes is the right way - whether we agree or not - whether college football agrees or not. His biggest fault may be that he keeps coming up with the wrong answer when he asks the question "What Would Bo Do"?
We have to respect Michigan - however grudgingly. And I don't believe they will fire Voyd. Certainly not during the season, and probably not afterwards if he chooses to stay. They are not that kind of program. (Which gives them half a leg up on the program that dumped Earle Bruce.)
But I think he will choose to leave. He has to see what he is doing to the program. And when he leaves the last adherent of pure power football will be gone. Not Bowden. Not JoPa. But Voyd. And I'll miss it. (Of course, if I had been around in the '30s I would be whining about this new-fangled forward pass.)
But I like 14-10 smash mouth contests where brute force up and down the line decides the outcome. Basketball on grass is exciting. But it is different. Kinda like those fruity beers. They are tasty, but it seems like a sweltering tower of testosterone should be doing something a little more primitive.
24. TURNOVER MARGARINE
Minus five? Who woulda thunk it. But I am not alarmed. Turnovers are fickle. A few less stone handed plays in the secondary. Receivers stay on their feet. A bounce this way instead of that way. The margin could easily be 0 or better.
Last year much was made of our positive margin for 11 games - then we struggled to get a TO when it counted most. I will be quite happy to see us follow the opposite pattern.
25. SPEAKING OF MARGARINE
Listen up lardasses!!!
I am in seat #30. When I sit down I expect to line my butt crack up between the 3 and the 0. I don't like being pushed one way or the other and I certainly don't like being squeezed until my man parts feel like lady parts.
Sure, I pound down my share of nacho cheese flavored food product, but when I find myself asking the clerk at Macy's if she wouldn't mind peeking in the back for some additional trouser sizes I know it is time for a stroll around the neighborhood.
Let's not make OSU install one of those templates you see at airports for carry on luggage.
Get with the program!!!
26. RUNNING BACKS
Last week one of our long time posters made the following observation:
"As for the OL - I was pleased. At times they were great. At others there were mistakes. But those were missed assignments, not failures to execute. Consistent blocking across the line against schemes that you may not have seen before is difficult to come by and takes time. Overall I am happier than most of the folks I have spoken to. The talent is there."
OK, I was a bit off on that one (I hate not being able to watch a replay. And taping the radio broadcast this week didn't provide the enlightenment I was hoping for.) But I stand by my comment that Beanie is the man and will deliver as promised.
Saine will have his moments, but Beanie is back and will be the workhouse we need in Seattle.
And how would you like to be #5 from Akron - stiff armed like a rag doll - when they review the tapes?
And I can only image what JT is setting up for down the road with the two TB set.
The one knock on Beanie is that he did own the safety. Forget if he got out of the end zone. The surge was there straight ahead.
27. SCARY MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Beanie coming down at the end of his first long run with a defender awkwardly between his legs, and immediately reaching for his knee.
POORLY WORDED PHRASE OF THE WEEK
"awkwardly between his legs"
28. END OF THE WINGED HELMET
Didn't think it would happen in my life time. But word is Nike will be releasing the following design next week:
ImageShack - Hosting :: michiganhelmetpr8.jpg
29. SHOWDOWN IN SEATTLE
This is shaping up nicely. Thank goodness. A game interesting enough to keep me thinking more about the Buckeyes than the Wolverines and Domers. A test. A respite from the boredom of this early schedule.
We are ready. Not for LSU, but for Washington. The Offense isn't there yet. But you can't lose if the other guy doesn't score.
And we only lose if JT is out coached by Ty Willingham - and it doesn't get that cold in Seattle.
30. I'M NOT REALLY CRUEL
I don't smile when a child skins their knee. I don't chuckle at legless beggars. I don't laugh when I see a car wreck.
But when Michigan was down 32-7 and I saw Hart on the exercise bike unable to return. And when I saw Mallet run onto the field replacing a QB in whom Michigan has invested four years amid cheers from the home town fans. And when I thought about what these guys had given up to put themselves in this position.
Well, it was all just too much.
31. AND FINALLY, GIRLS OF THE BIG TEN
I almost didn't post this because I don't want anyone to get the idea that I am taking any sort of pleasure from Michigan's suffering. But this belongs in the public domain for anyone who wants to make a screen saver or signature block.
ImageShack - Hosting :: michiganfanmw6.jpg
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